Pete Hegseth helps set Guinness World Record with most people doing pushups at Navy football game

Pete Hegseth also joined the postgame celebration and delivered an energetic locker room speech to the players after their thrilling win
PUBLISHED OCT 5, 2025
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth led 3,068 people to break the record for most pushups done simultaneously in one minute (@EricLDaugh/X)
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth led 3,068 people to break the record for most pushups done simultaneously in one minute (@EricLDaugh/X)


 

ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND: Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stole the spotlight during the Navy’s nail-biting 34-31 win against Air Force on Saturday, October 5.

He led thousands of cadets, officers, and fans in a massive pushup effort. Together, they set a new Guinness World Record for the most people doing pushups at the same time.

The day was a double victory for Navy, both on the field and in fitness.

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - FEBRUARY 13: U.S. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth holds his closing press conference at the end of defense ministers' meetings at NATO headquarters on February 13, 2025 in Brussels, Belgium. NATO Defence Ministers are convening in Brussels for a meeting chaired by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Hegseth marked the first visit to NATO by a member of the new Trump administration. High on the agenda for the allies will be ascertaining how the U.S. intends to influence the trajectory of the war in Ukraine, as the conflict nears the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. (Photo by Omar Havana/Getty Images)
US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth holds his closing press conference at the end of defense ministers' meetings at NATO headquarters on February 13, 2025 in Brussels, Belgium (Omar Havana/Getty Images)

Pete Hegseth leads massive pushup record at Navy game 

Pete Hegseth commanded a huge pushup brigade at the Maryland game, bringing together cadets, officers and fans for an unforgettable display of teamwork.

A total of 3,068 participants performed pushups simultaneously for one minute at the football game. This incident broke the previous record of 2,926 set by the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs on April 20, 2023.

“This was an incredible sight to see so many people come together for one challenge,” Hegseth said, highlighting teamwork and dedication.

The feat gave Navy bragging rights over its longtime rivals while electrifying the crowd. After leading the record-breaking pushup session, Hegseth went into Navy's locker room and celebrated with them.

He was seen celebrating with pure excitement, jumping and cheering alongside the Navy players after their big win. "Nothing else matters. You got it done. Everything is done. In fact, the best wins. Defense doesn't show up right away. Offense doesn't show up right away. You got the big stop and then into the first down, you got the first down. That's going to be your life, not missing this game," he said.

With the victory, Navy now stands at 5-0. It also put them in a strong position to win the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy.

The trophy goes to the team that wins the round-robin between Navy, Air Force and Army.

Fans and players were most excited about Navy’s dramatic win over Air Force. His presence drew cheers from fans and players alike, marking the day as a memorable moment in Navy football history.



 

Earlier that day, he made news for removing Navy Chief of Staff Jon Harrison, who had only been in the role since January.

Even with this big administrative move, the main focus of the day stayed on the record-breaking pushup event.

Social media celebrates Pete Hegseth’s Guinness World Record

Fans and commentators took to social media to share their excitement over Pete Hegseth’s record-breaking pushup attempt.

Many praised the teamwork and enthusiasm, celebrating both Navy’s thrilling win and the new Guinness World Record.

One user shared, "What an amazing idea!! The respect that @SecWar shows our soldiers from recruits/trainees to Generals/Admirals is incredible #God Blessed America with this dedicated warrior!!"



 

"The right man for the job," wrote another user.



 

"Killin’ it! much respect. leadership," another said.



 

Another person commented, "Pete Hegseth has helped to set a new WORLD RECORD as 3,068 people did pushups at the same time for one minute straight. This is incredible!!"



 

"That’s how to motivate our military," shared another user.



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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